Pittsburgh Chicken Salad

Name: Pittsburgh Chicken Salad with Crispy Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken cutlets; 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning ((aka cajun seasoning)); 2 servings frozen French fries ((seasoned or unseasoned)); 6 cups lettuce mix; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 2 tablespoon shredded cheese (or more to taste); ranch dressing

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Pittsburgh Chicken Salad combines air-fried blackening-seasoned chicken cutlets and crispy fries over fresh greens with ranch dressing. It's a hearty, fun main-course salad that comes together in minutes using an air fryer.

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Total

35 min

Servings

2

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Dizzybusyandhungry · by Kristin King

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

2 chicken cutlets
1 tablespoon blackening seasoning ((aka cajun seasoning))
2 servings frozen French fries ((seasoned or unseasoned))
6 cups lettuce mix
1/2 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup sliced grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 tablespoon shredded cheese (or more to taste)
ranch dressing

9 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Rub chicken cutlets with blackening seasoning and spray with olive oil on both sides.
2
Oil air fryer basket lightly. Air fry chicken at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes on each side or until internal temp is 150 degrees in the thickest part of chicken. Air fryer cooking times will vary.
3
If the French fries are unseasoned, sprinkle them with salt and pepper to your liking.
4
Oil air fryer basket lightly. Air fry the French fries at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crispy to your liking, shaking the basket twice during cooking. Air fryer cooking times will vary.
5
Divide lettuce mix evenly between two salad bowls, then divide the cucumber, tomatoes, and sliced onions evenly between the two serving bowls.
6
Sprinkle each salad with shredded cheese.
7
Slice each chicken cutlet and place on top of each salad, then distribute the French fries as well.
8
Serve with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing or dressing of your choice.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Shake the fries basket halfway through cooking (around 7–9 minutes) and again near the end to ensure even crisping.
Lightly oil the air fryer basket before cooking both the chicken and fries to prevent sticking.
Slice the chicken after air frying for easier eating and better distribution across the salad.
Use pre-seasoned frozen fries to skip the seasoning step, or add salt and pepper to unseasoned fries for consistent flavor.

Substitutions

Cajun seasoning → blackening seasoning (direct equivalent)
Ranch dressing → blue cheese, Caesar, or vinaigrette (adjust flavor profile)
Frozen French fries → homemade fries or steak fries (adjust cooking time as needed)
Lettuce mix → spinach, arugula, or romaine (choose based on preference)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in separate containers: chicken and salad greens in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, fries in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes; reheat fries at 375°F for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

air fryer

Common Questions

Can I make this salad without an air fryer?

Yes. Pan-sear the seasoned chicken cutlets in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Bake frozen fries in a 400°F oven for 18–22 minutes until crispy.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 150°F in the thickest part of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check after 4 minutes per side in the air fryer.

Can I prep this salad ahead?

Prepare the greens, vegetables, and cheese in advance and store in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken and fries just before serving to keep them hot and crispy.